Genetics For Dummies

A plain-English guide to genetics Want to know more about genetics? This non-intimidating guide gets you up to speed on all the fundamentals and the most recent discoveries. Now with 25% new and revised material, Genetics For Dummies, 2nd Edition gives you clear and accessible coverage of this rapidly advancing field. From dominant and recessive inherited traits to the DNA double-helix, you get clear explanations in easy-to-understand terms. Plus, you'll see how people are applying genetic science to fight disease, develop new products, solve crimes . . . and even clone cats. Covers topics in a straightforward and effective manner Includes coverage of stem cell research, molecular genetics, behavioral genetics, genetic engineering, and more Explores ethical issues as they pertain to the study of genetics Whether you?re currently enrolled in a genetics course or are just looking for a refresher, Genetics For Dummies, 2nd Edition provides science lovers of all skill levels with easy-to-follow information on this fascinating subject.

A plain-English guide to geneticsWant to know more about genetics? This non-intimidating guidegets you up to speed on all the fundamentals and the most recentdiscoveries. Now with 25% new and revised material, Genetics ForDummies, 2nd Edition gives you clear and accessible coverage ofthis rapidly advancing field.From dominant and recessive inherited traits to the DNAdouble-helix, you get clear explanations in easy-to-understandterms. Plus, you'll see how people are applying genetic science tofight disease, develop new products, solve crimes . . . and evenclone cats.* Covers topics in a straightforward and effective manner* Includes coverage of stem cell research, molecular genetics,behavioral genetics, genetic engineering, and more* Explores ethical issues as they pertain to the study ofgeneticsWhether you?re currently enrolled in a genetics course or arejust looking for a refresher, Genetics For Dummies, 2ndEdition provides science lovers of all skill levels witheasy-to-follow information on this fascinating subject.

Introduction 1Part I: The Lowdown on Genetics: Just the Basics 7Chapter 1: What Genetics Is and Why You Need to Know Some 9Chapter 2: Basic Cell Biology 19Chapter 3: Visualize Peas: Discovering the Laws of Inheritance37Chapter 4: Law Enforcement: Mendel's Laws Applied to ComplexTraits 51Chapter 5: Differences Matter: The Genetics of Sex67Part II: DNA: The Genetic Material 81Chapter 6: DNA: The Basis of Life 83Chapter 7: Replication: Copying Your DNA 99Chapter 8: Sequencing Your DNA 117Chapter 9: RNA: DNA's Close Cousin 129Chapter 10: Translating the Genetic Code 143Chapter 11: Gene Expression: What a Cute Pair of Genes 157Part III: Genetics and Your Health 171Chapter 12: Genetic Counseling 173Chapter 13: Mutation and Inherited Diseases: Things You Can'tChange 187Chapter 14: Taking a Closer Look at the Genetics of Cancer203Chapter 15: Chromosome Disorders: It's All a Numbers Game221Chapter 16: Treating Genetic Disorders with Gene Therapy 237Part IV: Genetics and Your World 249Chapter 17: Tracing Human History and the Future of the Planet251Chapter 18: Solving Mysteries Using DNA 265Chapter 19: Genetic Makeovers: Fitting New Genes into Plants andAnimals 283Chapter 20: Cloning: You're One of a Kind 299Chapter 21: Giving Ethical Considerations Their Due313Part V: The Part of Tens 323Chapter 22: Ten Defi ning Events in Genetics 325Chapter 23: Ten Hot Issues in Genetics 333Chapter 24: Ten Hard-to-Believe Genetics Stories 341Glossary 347Index 351